Bridge of the Boyne dangers... ‘There are very real fears there will be a fatality here’

Fears of a major accident on the road from the Bridge of the Boyne along by the Boyne navigation have led to calls for a major plan including safety measures, resurfacing and a new parking layout, to be implemented.

Residents warn the road is lethal with potholes, an open bank at the Boyne canal and inadequate parking for the many people who use the water for fishing an canoeing.

“There is no barrier to stop someone skidding into the canal,” said one local resident. “There are very real fears there will be a fatality here”.

“There was a wall there, but it it gone. When it rains, the road and the canal are level. It is so dangerous. I dread to thank what could happen.”

The road, one of the most scenic in Meath, runs from what is formally called Broadboyne Bridge, but is better known locally as The Bridge of the Boyne or Stackallen Bridge. It runs alongside the Boyne Navigation, past woodland and a quarry as far as the main Navan-Beauparc road.

Cllr Tommy Reilly said the road is in a terrible condition. “We need a full plan for the area. It is a mess, it is terribly dangerous and it is widely used.

“It is in a very scenic area. It runs along the Boyne, with wonderful views, there are two waterfalls, it is absolutely gorgeous. People use to access the Boyne for fishing and canoeing, or just walking.

“We need to draw up a full plan for the area, for resurfacing the road, providing safety measures and improving parking facilities at the bridge and we need to get funding, because this work is essential.”

He pointed out that the proposed new Boyne Valley Greenway and Blueway will be passing through the area, so safety measures are necessary.

“The biggest worry is the way the road is open to the canal where the wall is gone. It is very dangerous. Cars could skid into the water. It is also very dangerous as a lot of people bring their children to the area and aren't aware that the further along you go, there is no barrier to protect them from the water.

A local resident described how the road has actually subsided at a bad bend near the wood. “Cars coming from the opposite direction could end up in the river at the bad bend,” she warned.

“We need a plan for the area, we need the wall rebuilt or some kind of barrier to protect car from the water, the road needs resurfacing and the parking spots need to be realigned.

“A lot of people use that area for fishing, walking the towpath and canoeing. With the Greenway planned, we will have a lot more people coming to the area.

“We are really worried there will be a tragedy. It is an urgent problem. Something needs to be done now,” she said.

A spokesperson for Meath Co Council said pothole repairs have taken place during the last week of February.

“The road resurfacing will be addressed under future roadworks programmes. Replacement road signs have recently been put in place also.

“There are allocated parking spaces at the Bridge which could be extended if suitable funding is identified. The stone wall will be assessed, and any possible repair works could be considered under the Boyne Blueway/Greenway works.”